Nutritional Status and Lifestyle of the Oraon Scheduled Tribe Population of North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India.

Malnutrition (underweight and overweight) is regarded as a risk factor for several cardio-vascular morbidity and mortality. Indigenous groups, due to their daily hardship and poverty, generally remain underweight, but recent studies reported that prevalence of overweight is increasing among them. However, the studies are still scanty. In view, the aims of the study are to know the nutritional status in terms of BMI values and to find out the association between socio-economic status, lifestyle variables with underweight and overweight status of the Oraon of North 24 Parganas, West Bengal. Findings reveal the presence of both underweight and overweight in the population where lifestyle variables play a significant role. The study will contribute to explore the lifestyle of this indigenous group and its role in eradicating malnutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]